Latest news with #MyKiosk
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Join us to inspect MyKiosk locations, Pahang MCA youth tells DAP
MCA Youth Pahang finds it deeply troubling that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and DAP leaders are using the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) early conclusion that there is 'no criminal element' in the MyKiosk project as a shield — not only to silence critics but to demand an apology from MCA. From the beginning, the MyKiosk initiative raised serious concerns. The project involved spending a substantial sum of public funds to construct over 7,000 metal kiosks, supposedly to raise public income and resolve illegal hawker issues. Yet these promises were never backed by sound planning or evidence-based policy. MCA Youth has consistently raised two fundamental questions: • Was the government overcharged for these kiosks? • Has the project, in practice, turned into another white elephant? It is absurd that DAP leaders deflect blame onto MCA and demand an apology, yet still refuse to explain whether MyKiosk is effective or if public funds were wasted. It's a classic case of attacking the messenger instead of answering the message. Key questions remain unanswered: Why did the Minister think 7,000 kiosks would raise public income? How would these 7,000 kiosks solve illegal hawking? What is the actual cost per kiosk — and was it overpriced? Instead of addressing these concerns, the government hides behind MACC's remarkably swift declaration. A one-day investigation followed by a blanket statement of 'no criminal element' hardly reassures the public, especially when no real explanations are provided. Malaysians deserve transparency, not political diversion. Minister Nga and DAP leaders continue to evade the real questions. Why did the Ministry believe that mass-producing kiosks would solve complex socio-economic issues? What data supported this plan? And who is accountable for the growing evidence — including videos and photos — that these kiosks are now abandoned, underused, or placed in remote, impractical locations? Ironically, the first person to call this project a 'white elephant' did not hail from MCA, but DAP's own Negeri Sembilan EXCO, Arul Kumar. Is DAP now accusing him of spreading misinformation? Or do they only demand apologies when it suits their narrative? True leadership means owning up to flawed decisions, not shifting blame. The MyKiosk debacle reflects a worrying trend: superficial, headline-grabbing policies with no real depth. Minister Nga should not dismiss valid public concern as political rhetoric. Malaysians are not demanding perfection but merely asking for responsible policies, honest answers, and meaningful outcomes. It is not MCA that owes the nation an apology. If anything, those who pushed forward a flawed and costly programme without foresight or accountability — and now refuse to answer for its failings — are the ones who owe the public an explanation. Meanwhile, MCA Youth Pahang invites DAP leaders to join us in visiting and inspecting the grounds of the MyKiosks and self-gauge on the suitability of the location and if the price justifies the construction costs. It is time to stop defending failed policies and start delivering results that truly matter. Wong Siew Mun Pahang MCA Youth chief
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
‘Detractors of MyKiosk initiative should apologise'
PETALING JAYA: Irresponsible parties who spread baseless allegations against the MyKiosk initiative should apologise, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He said the accusations had unfairly smeared the efforts of ministry staff as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said there was no abuse of power or criminal wrongdoing in the programme's implementation. Nga cited MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki's statement on July 3 which cleared the ministry of misconduct. 'Those who throw stones should not hide their hands. I demand an apology to all the ministry's staff who have worked tirelessly. 'Anyone who has spread slander or false claims about MyKiosk, please come forward and apologise.' Responding to criticism labelling MyKiosk as a 'white elephant', Nga said the initiative had shown real progress, even if full occupancy had yet to be achieved. As of July 2025, MyKiosk 1.0 (2023) recorded a 91.75% occupancy rate with 2,926 units filled while MyKiosk 2.0 (2024) reached 86.78% occupancy with 3,518 units taken up nationwide. The figures demonstrate the programme's success in providing safe, affordable spaces for small businesses, particularly in urban areas, Nga said in reply to a question from Batu Pahat MP Onn Abu Bakar. The initiative is funded via the ministry's BP1 allocation for small-scale infrastructure projects implemented by local authorities. RM50 million was spent in 2023 for 3,189 kiosks and RM100 million in 2024 for an additional 4,054 units. Nga admitted there had been some administrative hiccups but said the ministry is working to resolve them, including through site visits in both government and opposition-led states. 'We are not TikTok warriors spreading baseless claims. We are honourable members of this House,' he told Hulu Selangor MP Mohd Hasnizan Harun, who raised concerns about vacant kiosks. Nga said to strengthen oversight a 'traffic light' system had been introduced to rate the 156 local councils managing MyKiosk sites, with councils in the green zone rewarded with more funds while councils in the red zone face budget cuts, though support would be given to help them improve. He added that many kiosk tenants now earn sustainable incomes, proving MyKiosk is more than just infrastructure as it is also a tool for economic empowerment. Nga also tabled the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025 to boost enforcement and encourage civic responsibility. The Bill proposes amending Sections 47 and 48 and introduces Section 125A, allowing local councils to impose community service for minor littering offences. Key highlights include fines of up to RM2,000 for first-time offenders, RM3,000 for repeat offenders and up to 12 hours of community service, subject to the court's discretion. 'This is not just about punishing people. It is also about building a culture of care and responsibility.' Offenders under 18 will be handled under the Child Act 2001. The Bill applies to Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, with enforcement timing to be set by state governments. Nga said the proposal complements recent updates to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act, reinforcing the need for stronger action to tackle Malaysia's littering problem.
![News@9: Today's top headlines - July 22, 2025 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
News@9: Today's top headlines - July 22, 2025 [WATCH]
Here are today's biggest stories. Not 'gay party' The Kelantan Health Department has confirmed that the so-called "gay party" raided by police last month was actually an HIV awareness programme. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised those who comment on the judiciary without understanding the nation's political history. Apologise! Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has demanded an apology from critics of the MyKiosk initiative after the MACC found no elements of corruption in the project. Coerced? The mother of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin claims she was forced to falsely confess to his murder during a 13-day police remand in June last year. That's it for News@9.
Sinar Daily
22-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Nga demands apology from MyKiosk 'White Elephants' critics
KUALA LUMPUR - Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has called on those who labelled the MyKiosk initiative is a 'white elephant' project to apologise. He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation, which found no elements of corruption or abuse of power in the programme's implementation, clearly demonstrated that the Housing and Local Government Ministry's (KPKT) efforts to carry out government policies should not be subjected to unfounded accusations. "KPKT took the initiative to invite MACC to conduct an investigation. It was not MACC that approached us. We went to MACC and submitted all the documents for review. MACC has since issued a statement confirming that there was no abuse of power, no criminal element, and no corruption involved,' he said. "I demand, on behalf of KPKT staff who work tirelessly to serve the people, that those who have made baseless claims and slander come forward and apologise. The sacrifices of these civil servants must be acknowledged and not tarnished by unfounded allegations,' he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat), who had asked for the latest statistics on the implementation of the MyKiosk 2.0 programme and the status of the Batu Pahat Municipal Council Stadium upgrade project, including its scope of work, costs involved, and expected completion date Nga said the implementation of MyKiosk has shown encouraging results, with MyKiosk 1.0 achieving a 91.75 per cent occupancy rate, while MyKiosk 2.0 has reached 86.78 per cent. This success has positively transformed the lives of 7,243 hawkers and petty traders across the country. He also highlighted success stories of MyKiosk traders, such as a hawker selling 'ayam gunting' at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) Square who now earns up to RM30,000 a month, as well as food and soymilk traders who have doubled their income to RM18,000 a month after joining the programme. "This is a testament to the success of reforms aimed at helping hawkers. It proves that MyKiosk not only provides physical facilities but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth by creating sustainable business opportunities,' he said. However, Nga acknowledged that there were some shortcomings in the programme's earlier implementation. To address this, his ministry has introduced a 'traffic light' evaluation system to monitor the performance of local authorities (PBTs). Through this system, any PBT receiving a green rating will be categorised as having excellent performance and will receive increased allocations, while those with a yellow rating will have their allocations reviewed. "If the light is red, the allocation will be cancelled, and the head of the PBT will be summoned by the Local Government Department to receive a reprimand and provide an explanation for failing to implement government policies. "We will continue to monitor to ensure that the well-being of the people, the welfare of hawkers, consumer comfort, and environmental sustainability are all prioritised under the MADANI Economy framework," he said. Meanwhile, regarding the Batu Pahat Municipal Council Stadium upgrade project, Nga said the project is expected to commence early next year and be completed by the end of the same year. He said the RM3.5 million project is currently in the process of appointing a consultant. "The scope of work includes upgrading the field drainage system, resurfacing the field, and constructing a new running track,' he said. - BERNAMA
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Nga demands apology over MyKiosk ‘white elephant' claims
KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has demanded an apology from critics who labelled the MyKiosk initiative a 'white elephant' project. His statement follows the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) confirmation that no corruption or abuse of power occurred in the programme's implementation. Nga stressed that the ministry proactively invited MACC to investigate, submitting all relevant documents. 'MACC has since issued a statement confirming that there was no abuse of power, no criminal element, and no corruption involved,' he said during a Dewan Rakyat session. He called on critics to retract their accusations and acknowledge the hard work of civil servants. The MyKiosk initiative has recorded strong occupancy rates, with MyKiosk 1.0 at 91.75% and MyKiosk 2.0 at 86.78%. The programme has benefited 7,243 traders nationwide, with some reporting significant income growth. A hawker at Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) Square now earns up to RM30,000 monthly, while food and soymilk vendors doubled their income to RM18,000. To improve accountability, the ministry introduced a 'traffic light' system to evaluate local authorities (PBTs). Green-rated PBTs receive increased allocations, while yellow-rated ones face reviews. Red-rated PBTs risk cancelled funding and reprimands. Separately, the RM3.5 million Batu Pahat Municipal Council Stadium upgrade is set to begin early next year, focusing on drainage, field resurfacing, and a new running track. - Bernama
